Taison makes Shakhtar switch

Shakhtar Donetsk have beaten Chelsea to the signing of Metalist Kharkiv's Taison. The 24-year-old has long been linked with a move to west London and was reportedly on the brink of moving to Stamford Bridge earlier this month. Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez, speaking today, would not be drawn on a move for Taison, who has now joined Shakhtar. After an initial $15million (£9.3million) bid was rejected, the Ukrainian champions paid the $20million (£12.4million) release clause to sign the Brazilian. "I am happy to play for such a great club," Taison told the club's official website, shakhtar.com. "I played a lot against Shakhtar and I have a lot of information about them. I know Shakhtar's Brazilians. I really want to help the club win new titles. I'll train and work, respecting everyone who plays for the club. In the first place I have respect for all. Of course, I will try to play as best I can." Asked if it was the right choice, Taison, who penned a five-year deal at the Donbass Arena, added: "Yes, it was the right choice, despite the fact that I was happy at Metalist, with whom I achieved a lot. And I want to again thank the entire team, coaches, staff of the Kharkiv club. But having joined Shakhtar, I understand what this club is all about." Taison joined Metalist from Internacional in his homeland in 2010, scoring 13 goals in 57 league games for Ukrainian side. From : Fifa